Brazil agribusiness advances weed‑control technology and pesticide packaging recycling

Mechanical pre‑planting weed‑control tools are gaining traction in Brazil’s direct‑seeding soybean systems. The Kelly technology, developed by São José, loosens the seed bank and promotes early germination, allowing growers to cut pre‑plant herbicide applications by up to 100 % in some trials. Field tests in the South reported yield gains of up to four bags of soy per hectare and cost reductions of R$100‑135 per hectare, prompting broader adoption of integrated mechanical‑chemical strategies.

Separately, Brazil’s reverse‑logistics programme for empty pesticide containers, the Sistema Campo Limpo, has become a global benchmark. Since its launch in 2002 the system has safely processed more than 900 000 tonnes of packaging; in 2025 it correctly disposed of 75 996 tonnes, an 11 % increase year‑on‑year. A network of 424 collection units across 25 states and the Federal District, plus thousands of itinerant pickups, relies on shared responsibility among farmers, distributors, manufacturers and public authorities, reinforcing the sustainability of Brazil’s large‑scale agriculture.